Japan Pledges To Strengthen Bilateral Ties With Malaysia

From Zairina Zainudin TOKYO, June 1 (Bernama) -- Bilateral relations and economic collaborations between Malaysia and Japan is set to scale greater heights with the leader of the world's third largest economy, Shinzo Abe, pledging commitment for synergetic effects. In his congratulatory message to the 34th joint Japan-Malaysia Economic Association and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (JAMECA-MAJECA) conference here, the prime minister said both countries were closely linked by a strong bond with various layers, supported by people-to-people exchanges based on the Look East Policy. The Japanese Prime Minister's speech was read by Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa. Abe said the vibrant trade and investment activities engaged by Japanese companies in Malaysia under the Japan-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement also helped in connecting the two countries. "I would like to bring forth the synergetic effects of our two countries' economic policies in order to further grow together. "I have already had the pleasure of meeting Prime Minister Najib Razak six times so far with both of us making reciprocal visits to each other last year. "I earnestly intend to promote further cooperation between our two countries so that our bilateral relationship will evolve in accordance with the needs of our era," he said. Meanwhile, Najib's message to the conference was read by Malaysian Ambassador to Japan, Ahmad Izlan Idris. The prime minister said the conference was timely, following the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and the on-going negotiatiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as these would establish a much more comprehensive regional trade partnerships. "These two initiatives will provide a springboard for a whole range of new opportunities for trade and investments in the region. "Indeed, the bilateral relations and economic collaboration between Malaysia and Japan will be further enhanced," he said. Najib cited numerous initiatives taken by trade agencies, government bodies, and industry players from both countries, including the JAMECA-MAJECA joint conference, which had created new awareness for investment opportunities in Malaysia and also Japan. He also called on Japanese companies to tap investment opportunities in the economic endeavours in the northern states, focusing on Kedah, and the East Coast Economic Region, especially Pahang. These are new growth opportunities in Malaysia where greater incentives have been announced for new investments, he added, in his message. Also present at the event was Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is on a five-day working visit to Japan from last Sunday. On Monday, Ahmad Zahid made a courtesy call on Abe at his office. The 20-minute closed-door meeting took place despite Abe's hectic work schedule. It highlighted the close and very imprtant bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan from 1957, and the commitment of both countries towards taking the friendship to a higher level. -- BERNAMA